Pep Guardiola has told Riyad Mahrez he needs to be fitter after a rocky start to the season at Manchester City.
The £60million player, who was signed by the champions to a three-year deal this summer, has yet to prove it was the right decision.
With Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva occupying wing positions, he has started just two of eight Premier League games.
Guardiola says the Algerian needs to shine again, but suggests he’s not at the right fitness level to play regularly.
“He has to come back in better shape so he can give his best as a player,” said the Manchester City boss.
“He’s so good I can’t teach him anything. He knows it and I know Riyadh perfectly. We need him.”
“He has to come back to the highest level. In terms of his character, his quality, his technique, his love of the game and the way he likes to play. Step by step, he’s back.”
Marez’s usual position on the right of the front three was replaced on Sunday by Foden, who scored a fairytale hat-trick against Manchester United.
And Guardiola has welcomed the news that the young British player is close to signing a five-year deal at the Etihad.
“He’s a young player, so we want him to stay for years and years. He’s an exceptional player. He’s grown a lot.” He’s been with us for years now. “.
“He’s physically reliable, he’s passionate about everything, he’s smart, he can play once every three days. I think he can do better.
Pep also hinted that he’s hoping the 22-year-old will shine for England at next month’s World Cup.
He said, “Phil’s impact when I came in was ‘amazing.’ Even in his second season, he got to play in important games.
“He doesn’t feel pressured. Like Bernardo Silva, the bigger the stage, the better he plays.”
Erling Haaland also scored a hat-trick and new signing Sergio Gomez says the Norwegian is undeniably hungry.
The Spain Under-21 star, who was also a temporary team-mate at Borussia Dortmund, said: “I try to learn as much as I can from him, especially his hunger and ambition.
“He’s not satisfied with one goal, he wants a second, a third, he wants more. In the derby the other day, after conceding the third goal, he was a little angry. rice field.
“It’s important to learn the hunger and ambition he has.
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